Solanum Sisymbriifolium Research Articles

Phenolics and carotenoids contents and radical scavenging capacity of some selected solanaceous medicinal plants

Plants being an important source of medicine play significant role in human health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate thetotal phenolics and carotenoids contents, and free radical scavenging capacity of leaves and fruits of selected five solanaceous medicinal plants, namely Solanum melongena (brinjal), Solanum torvum (tit begun), Solanum virginianum (kantikari), Solanum sisymbrifolium (sada kantikari) and Solanum nigrum (futi begun). Carotenoids content in the leaves and fruits of solanaceous plants varied significantly among the species. Leaf phenolics content ranged between 147.40 (S. melongena) and 585.15 (S. virginianum) mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g fresh weight, while fruit phenolics content varied from 50.52 (S. nigrum) to 105.02 (S. virginianum) mg GAE/100 g fresh weight. IC50 values for scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical ranged between 31.52 (S. nigrum) and 33.55 (S. melongena) mg mL−1 in leaf, while in fruit it ranged between 27.90 (S. virginianum) and 33.11 (S. melongena) mg mL−1. The highest carotenoids content (0.370 mg g−1 fresh weight) was measured from Solanum nigrum leaf. S. virginianum leaf contained about 4−fold high phenolics content than that in S. melongena. S. nigrum leaf had about 15−fold high carotenoids content (0.370 mg g−1 fresh weight). compared to S. torvum and S. virginianum fruits (0.024 mg g−1FW in each). Because of the highest fruit phenolics and carotenoids content along with the lowest IC50 values for scavenging DPPH, S. virginianum fruit can be considered as superior for its health beneficial biochemical constituentsJ. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(1): 56-61, April 2018

Sticky Nightshade Infestation and Dispersion on an Integrated Soybean-Eucalyptus System at Subtropical Brazil

ABSTRACT: Trees in integrated crop-livestock systems can reduce infestation and dispersion of weeds because of a negative interference promoted by competition for light, water and nutrients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the infestation and dispersion of sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) in soybean in different positions between eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dunnii) double rows [20 m x (4 m x 3 m)] in an integrated crop-livestock system at Subtropical Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with nine replications, and five equidistant positions between double rows (n=45) as treatments. Sticky nightshade was evaluated for infestation through biomass, plant density (reproductive and vegetative plants), and for dispersion by the flower, fruit, seeds per fruit, and 100 seed weight. Soybean was analyzed for grain yield. Eucalyptus promoted a negative interference in sticky nightshade infestation and dispersion as well as in soybean yield, to a greater extent closer to the tree component.

Solanum sisymbriifolium plants become more recalcitrant to Agrobacterium transfection as they age

Solanum sisymbriifolium is representative of some undomesticated plant species that appear to be recalcitrant to Agrobacterium-mediated infection. Transient expression assays in this weed using β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression have proven highly variable and often failed. Systematic optimization experiments revealed that reducing wounding when bacteria were applied reduced variability. Transfection levels were also influenced by the number of leaves infected/plant, and by total leaves at the time of infection. This inverse relationship between leaf number and GUS expression resembled age-related resistance, but did not correlate with flowering, the accumulation of salicylic acid during bacterial infection, or with overt signs of senescence.

Three new records of Solanum species for the flora of Saudi Arabia

Recent field studies in the south‐west regions of Saudi Arabia have allowed the collection of Solanum species which have proven to represent new records for Saudi Arabia flora. These three new records are Solanum dulcamara L., Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam., and Solanum torvum Swartz of the family Solanacaeae. A detailed morphological description, distribution and habitat of each of these species is provided with illustrations and photographs. The report of these new species to the flora of Saudi Arabia indicates that the country needs more thorough botanical exploration.

Effects of Solanum sisymbriifolium on potato cyst nematode populations in Portugal

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Solanum sisymbriifolium cvs Melody, Pion, Sharp, Sis 4004 and Sis 6001 on potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera spp., populations in the field in Portugal, to improve crop protection systems based on trap crops. Two PCN infested fields (Bolho and Barcouco) were selected. Solanum sisymbriifolium root exudates effects on PCN hatching were evaluated by in vitro assays and their susceptibility/resistance to PCN was assessed. Field trials were performed during 2 years using the following rotation: S. tuberosum cv. Desiree followed by S. sisymbriifolium. Solanum sisymbriifolium root exudates promoted hatching of second-stage juveniles (J2). The cultivars tested were resistant to both species of PCN. In both fields, all cultivars had the same behaviour with no statistically significant differences. As S. sisymbriifolium cultivars were resistant to G. rostochiensis and G. pallida populations in Portugal, they can be included in crop rotations and are potential candidates to incorporate in management programs against PCN. Although there were no statistical differences it seems that fallow could be the best strategy to reduce PCN populations faster and this avoids the introduction of an exotic plant that could become a problem.

A review of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological relevance of the South African weed Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae)

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. also known as “wild tomato” is a traditional medicine used by indigenous people of Central and South America, to treat both veterinary and human diseases. Various parts of the wild tomato have been widely used in prevention and treatment of numerous diseases including hypertension, diarrhoea, and respiratory and urinary tracts infections. The traditional uses of this plant has attracted researchers to investigate its efficacy using different in vivo and in vitro biological assays, identify and isolate phytochemicals from different parts of this plant. Biological activities of different parts of the plant reported include anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, larvicidal and piscicidal activity. Compound classes including steroidal saponin, spirostane saponins, glycoalkaloids, steroidal alkaloids, pyrrolidine alkaloids, sterols, steroid glycosides and lignans were isolated from different parts of S. sisymbriifolium and reported to exhibit biological activities. This review intends to document the ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicity aspects of the South African weed, S. sisymbriifolium. To achieve this, textbooks and electronic databases were used to source the necessary peer-reviewed data. Research reports documented in this review have shown that S. sisymbriifolium has potential to be a contender for the treatment and management of numerous diseases, and a source of new pharmaceutical drugs. However, further research still needs to be conducted in order to fully understand the mechanisms of action of reported bioactive molecules.

Susceptibility of Weedy Hosts from Pacific Northwest Potato Production Systems to Crop-Aggressive Isolates of Verticillium dahliae.

Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a disease of dicotyledonous crops such as potato and has a wide host range and persistent, long-term survival structures called microsclerotia that can persist in soil for up to 14 years. Some V. dahliae isolates are particularly aggressive on a specific plant host while retaining the ability to infect a wide range of other hosts. Weeds can serve as hosts for V. dahliae but whether they serve as sources of inoculum for aggressive isolates of V. dahliae to crop hosts is unknown. The goal of this research was to quantify V. dahliae microsclerotia obtained from 16 weeds which were grown in the greenhouse. Potting medium was infested with one of eight V. dahliae isolates from potato, mint, sugar beet, sunflower, tomato, and watermelon. The isolates from mint and potato were aggressive on the host from which they were originally isolated. All 16 weeds were infected by at least one V. dahliae isolate, although the number of microsclerotia produced from some infections was relatively low (≤5 microsclerotia/g of dry plant). Black nightshade yielded greater numbers of microsclerotia of the V. dahliae potato isolate than any other isolate in three of four trials in the greenhouse (second trial false discovery rate, adjusted P ≤ 0.0158; third trial, P ≤ 0.0264; and fourth trial, P ≤ 0.0193). Litchi tomato yielded greater numbers of microsclerotia of the V. dahliae potato isolate than any other isolate in one of four trials (first trial, P ≤ 0.0149). A V. dahliae isolate from tomato yielded greater numbers of microsclerotia in large crabgrass and wild oat in a second trial (P ≤ 0.0158). Weeds, depending on the species, grown during and between potato crop rotations may increase the number of microsclerotia of the potato-aggressive isolates of V. dahliae.

Evaluation of Solanum sisymbriifolium as a Potential Inoculum Source of Verticillium dahliae and Colletotrichum coccodes.

Solanum sisymbriifolium, the litchi tomato, is a perennial herbaceous plant from South America that is used as a trap crop to reduce soilborne populations of the pale cyst nematode Globodera pallida, an important potato pathogen. Possible interactions of soilborne potato pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Colletotrichum coccodes with litchi tomato are unknown, yet important for potato production if litchi tomato is to be planted as a trap crop. The goal of this research was to quantitatively assess if litchi tomato is a potential inoculum source for C. coccodes and V. dahliae by comparing colony forming units (CFU) observed in litchi tomato to susceptible and resistant potato cultivars. The potato cvs. Alturas (P = 0.0003), Ranger Russet (P = 0.0193), and Russet Norkotah (P = 0.0022) produced more CFUs of the potato pathotype of V. dahliae than litchi tomato the first of two years of greenhouse trials. Significantly more CFUs of the potato pathotype of V. dahliae were quantified from stems and roots of only cv. Russet Norkotah compared with litchi tomato (P = 0.0001) in the second year. The CFUs for C. coccodes varied between litchi tomato and the potato cvs., perhaps due to varying levels of resistance since litchi tomato is from a selected intermated seed source. Based on these data, the effect of litchi tomato in rotation with potato is likely to have limited effect on the proliferation of V. dahliae or C. coccodes populations in the soil when compared with a susceptible potato cultivar.

Management of Root Knot Nematode on Tomato through Grafting Root Stock of Solanum sisymbriifolium

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) are difficult to manage once established in the field because of their wide host range, and soil-borne nature. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the use of resistant root stock of wild brinjal (Solanum sisymbriifolium) to reduce the loss caused by the nematodes on tomato. For the management of root-knot nematodes, grafted plant with resistant root stock of the wild brinjal was tested under farmers’ field conditions at Hemza of Kaski district. Grafted and non-grafted plants were produced in root-knot nematode-free soil. Around three week-old grafted and non-grafted tomato plants were transplanted in four different plastic tunnels where root-knot nematodes had been reported previously. The plants were planted in diagonal position to each other as a pair plot in 80 × 60 cm2 spacing in an average of 20 × 7 m2 plastic tunnels. Galling Index (GI) was recorded three times in five randomly selected plants in each plot at 60 days intervals. The first observation was recorded two months after transplanting. Total fruit yield was recorded from same plants. In the grafted plants, the root system was totally free from gall whereas in an average of 7.5 GI in 0-10 scale was recorded in the non-grafted plants. Fruits were harvested from time to time and cumulated after final harvest to calculate the total fruit yield. It was estimated that on an average tomato fruit yield was significantly (P>0.05) increased by 37 percent in the grafted plants compared with the non-grafted plants. Grafting technology could be used effectively for cultivation of commonly grown varieties, which are susceptible to root-knot nematodes in disease prone areas. This can be used as an alternative technology for reducing the use of hazardous pesticides for enhancing commercial organic tomato production.Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council Vol.3 2017: 27-31

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of the Volatile Composition of the Flower and Fruit of Solanum sisymbriifolium (Litchi Tomato)

Background: Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. is used as traditional remedy in South America, recently this plant considered as new edible source. Berries and flower of S. sisymbriifolium have a characteristic fragrance. The pleasant fragrance of the S. sisymbriifolium could be considered as a source of food additive or preservative. Methods: The essential oils of the flower and fruit of S. sisymbriifolium Lam. (litchi tomato) were isolated by hydrodistillation method and tested for antibacterial and antioxidant potentials also these volatile oils analyzed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID).The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of fruits and flowers were tested against Staphylococcus aureus using the well diffusion method and their free-radical-scavenging activity were assessed by the 2, 2-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Results: The essential oil of flower was characterized by a high content of aldehydes and aliphatic hydrocarbons (66.8%) and the essential oil of the fruit has high amount of fatty acids and their derivatives (80.1%). Heptadecane (37.9 %) and 9,12,15-octadecatrienal (22.7%) were the main compounds in flower whereas the fruits essential oil contained hexadecanoic acid (77.4%) and ambrettolide (7.4%). The essential oils showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus in 60 and 80 µg/mL for fruit and flower, respectively. In antioxidant activity assay fruit essential oil (with100 µg/mL) showed better activity in compression to flower essential oil with 83.33% activity. Conclusion: This study showed that litchi tomato can be considered as a new source of edible compounds. Flower showed suitable antioxidant and antibacterial activity. This study also can be present an overview about chemical marker compounds of Solanum genus.

Assessment of Globodera pallida RNA Extracted from Solanum Roots.

The introduction of high-throughput sequencing technologies has made transcriptome analyses of plant-pathogen interactions almost routine. Nevertheless, it is still challenging to obtain RNA from populations made up of two species. An RNA extraction method that worked well on free-living Caenorhabditis elegans failed when applied to isolated Globodera pallida J2 larva. Furthermore, alternative protocols that extracted RNA from free-living J2 larva produced less satisfactory results once the animals entered their hosts' roots. We have compared several extraction procedures to ascertain whether a single protocol was capable of recovering high-quality, high-molecular-weight RNA from newly hatched J2 larva as well as from larva embedded in roots of both potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Desiree) and a very distantly related species, Solanum sisymbriifolium. Although it was possible to recover large amounts of RNA from J2 larvae using Proteinase K treatments, this protocol failed to yield high-quality nematode RNA from infected roots. By comparison, mechanical disruption procedures yielded lower amounts of RNA from infected roots, but what was recovered was of higher quality. We conclude that different extraction protocols need to be developed to sample mixed populations of organisms.

Antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of leaves of Solanum sisymbriifolium in heat and chemical-induced pain

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lamk. (Solanaceae) is a perennial prickly herb traditionally used in folk medicine to treat different ailments. This study evaluated the methanol extract of S. sisymbriifolium leaf (MSS) (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) for analgesic activity using heat- and chemical-induced pain models such as hot plate, tail immersion, formalin-induced licking and acetic acid-induced writhing. Interaction with the opioid receptor system was verified using naloxone to antagonize the effect of MSS, if any. MSS demonstrated significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity, though moderate, in both hot plate and tail immersion test (p < 0.05). Naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect in both tests. MSS produced profound antinociceptive effect in formalin test and acetic acid-induced writhing at 400 mg/kg dose. These results imply that the antinociceptive effect of MSS is mainly due to its central effect and peripheral effects also contribute to some extent. These results provide preliminary evidence of antinociceptive activity of S. sisymbriifolium leaves and the potential of the plant in treating different painful conditions.

Effect of the trap cropSolanum sisymbriifoliumand two biocontrol fungi on reproduction of the potato cyst nematode,Globodera pallida

The potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, is one of the most important pests of potato worldwide. Owing to regulatory considerations and potential environmental impact, control options for this nematode are becoming increasingly limited. Solanum sisymbriifolium and biological control agents offer viable alternative options for controlling G. pallida. Therefore, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of the nematode trap crop S. sisymbriifolium, alone or in combination with the biocontrol agents Trichoderma harzianum or Plectosphaerella cucumerina, on population decline of G. pallida. Experiments were conducted for three different ‘cropping systems’: potato (Solanum tuberosum), S. sisymbriifolium, or soil only (fallow), each followed by a potato crop. Soil was amended with P. cucumerina, T. harzianum or left unamended, and then infested with nematodes at a rate of five eggs g−1 of soil. After 16 weeks in the greenhouse, plants were removed and the soil containing cysts was refrigerated at 4°C for 8 weeks, and then planted to potato. Cysts of G. pallida were counted after an additional 16-week period. The Pf/Pi of G. pallida was significantly reduced by 99% in potato following S. sisymbriifolium compared to both the potato-following-fallow and the potato-following-potato treatments. Amendment of soil with T. harzianum significantly reduced Pf/Pi of G. pallida by 42–47% in the potato-following-potato but not in either the potato-after-fallow nor in the potato-after-S. sisymbriifolium cycles which supports evidence that the plant species may play a role in the biocontrol activity of this fungus. Addition of the fungus P. cucumerina resulted in a 64% decrease in Pf/Pi in the potato-following-fallow in one experiment, and an 88% decrease in Pf/Pi in potato-following-potato but the decrease in Pf/Pi was not consistent over all experiments. However, both biocontrol fungi resulted in lower numbers of progeny cysts after an initial 16-week incubation with potato. To look at the effect of varied population density of the nematode on efficacy of S. sisymbriifolium to reduce G. pallida populations, potato, S. sisymbriifolium, or barley were planted into soil infested with G. pallida at rates of 5, 20 or 40 eggs g−1 soil applied as cysts (20, 80 or 160 cysts pot−1). After 16 weeks, numbers of cysts produced in each treatment were determined for each infestation rate. No new cysts were recovered from either S. sisymbriifolium or barley treatments, confirming that neither plant is a host for G. pallida. High numbers of cysts were recovered with potato. Soil from each treatment (containing original cysts and newly-formed cysts when present) were then planted with potato. After an additional 16 weeks, few cysts were found in the potato-after- S. sisymbriifolium treatments regardless of initial infestation rate. When potato followed barley, numbers of cysts were similar to those found after a single cycle of potato, indicating that the barley crop had no effect on the survival of initial inoculum. Overall, these results suggest that S. sisymbriifolium has potential to significantly reduce G. pallida populations, and also that the cropping system (i.e. the sequence of non-host and host plants) may play a significant role in the efficacy of fungal biological control agents.

Evaluation of cultural methods for the management of the golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) in Quebec, Canada

Potato cyst nematodes are a major threat to potato production worldwide. In 2006, the isolation of the golden nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, in Quebec, Canada, led to the establishment of a quarantine area and the initiation of a research programme for the sustainable management of this regulated pest. In this study, the field efficacy of crop rotations and soil amendments was assessed in microplots for their potential to reduce populations of G. rostochiensis in the quarantine area. Crop rotation with a resistant potato cultivar was very effective in decreasing the population density of G. rostochiensis in soil. A single year with a cultivar carrying the H1 resistance gene reduced nematode populations by 62–95%. After 3 consecutive years of cropping to resistant potato, the number of viable eggs was zero in several microplots, and the overall population reduction was around 95%. Natural population decline with the cultivation of a non-host crop such as corn was around 30% per year. Trap cropping also showed reduced G. rostochiensis populations with results similar to the resistant cultivar. Sticky nightshade could not be established under Quebec’s climatic conditions and therefore was not a viable alternative for managing golden nematode in Quebec. Soil amendment with high rates of urea provided some reduction in populations but was not an economically viable option for managing potato cyst nematodes. Chicken manure and pig slurry did not provide a significant reduction of G. rostochiensis under Quebec field conditions.

Trophic web associated with the South American tomato moth Tuta absoluta: implications for its conservation biological control in Argentina

Abstract The South American tomato moth Tuta absoluta is a major pest targeted for biological control by entomophagous insects. Trophic interactions among parasitoids of T. absoluta and other gelechiids feeding on crop and spontaneous wild solanaceous were investigated in north‐eastern Buenos Aires (Argentina), with the aim of assisting in the design of conservation biological control strategies. A quantitative parasitoid trophic web was constructed that included five gelechiid leafminers, five solanaceous species and a complex of 18 parasitoid species. The relative abundance of T. absoluta was highest in the Solanum melongena crop, followed by the wild plants Nicotiana glauca, Solanum americanum, Solanum sisymbriifolium and Salpichroa origanifolia. Greater parasitoid species richness associated with T. absoluta was found in the wild plants N. glauca and S. americanum. Pseudapanteles dignus was the main parasitoid of T. absoluta and co‐occurred with this pest in four plant species. Parasitism of T. absoluta by P. dignus was observed throughout the year in S. melongena, reaching values up to 33%, whereas it was sporadic and exhibited lower parasitism rates in the noncrop S. sisymbriifolium, N. glauca and S. americanum. The presence of some wild solanaceous plants should be promoted to maintain the T. absoluta– P. dignus interaction in horticultural farms.

Evidences of antihypertensive potential of extract from Solanum capsicoides All. in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BackgroundSolanum capsicoides All. is morphologically similar to Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. which is used in folk medicine in South America for antihypertensive and diuretics purposes. This similarity has led to species identification errors, which therefore may result in errors by patients. PurposeTo evaluate the antihypertensive and diuretics potential of the methanol extract from Solanum capsicoides All. (MeOH–Sc), in vitro and in vivo, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MethodsInitial experiments were performed in rat mesenteric artery to evaluate the in vitro vascular effect of MeOH–Sc and its fractions, in addition to the mechanisms involved during the observed effect. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded in non-anesthetised hypertensive and normotensive rats. In another set of experiments, MeOH–Sc was administered for 21 consecutive days. Daily body weight measurements were conducted and MAP, HR and urinary volume were measured every 5 days. The mesenteric artery from treated animals was tested for phenylephrine and sodium nitroprussiate (SNP) sensitivity. ResultsInitially, MeOH–Sc and fractions relaxed phenylephrine-induced contractions in mesenteric artery rings. The vasorelaxant effect was not changed in the presence of a blocker of eNOS (L-NAME) in rings with an intact endothelium. In denuded-endothelium rings, the vasorelaxant response was significantly reduced in the presence of a cAMP inhibitor (SQ 22536 10µM) in SHR but not in Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). However, in the presence of a cGMP inhibitor (ODQ 10µM), a curve shift to the right was observed in WKY animals, but not in SHR. Intravenous bolus injections of MeOH–Sc into non-anesthetised SHR and WKY, induced hypotension that was associated with an increase in HR. A significant antihypertensive effect was observed in animals that received MeOH–Sc orally for 21 days, which also prevented the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Urine volume from animals treated with MeOH–Sc significantly increased. Finally, MeOH–Sc induced beneficial changes in vascular responsiveness. ConclusionMeOH–Sc has a potential antihypertensive effect in SHR.

Interspecific Hybridization between Eggplant and Wild Relatives from Different Genepools

Wild relatives represent a source of variation for many traits of interest for eggplant (Solanum melongena) breeding, as well as for broadening the genetic base of this crop. However, interspecific hybridization with wild relatives has been barely used in eggplant breeding programs. As initiation of an introgression breeding program we performed 1424 interspecific hybridizations between six accessions of eggplant from the Occidental and Oriental groups and 19 accessions of 12 wild species from the primary (Solanum incanum and Solanum insanum), secondary (Solanum anguivi, Solanum dasyphyllum, Solanum lichtensteinii, Solanum linnaeanum, Solanum pyracanthos, Solanum tomentosum, and Solanum violaceum), and tertiary (Solanum elaeagnifolium, Solanum sisymbriifolium, and Solanum torvum) genepools. Fruit set, hybrid seed, and seed germination were obtained between Solanum melongena and all wild species of the primary and secondary genepools. The highest fruit set percentage and quantity of seeds per fruit were obtained with the two primary genepool species S. incanum and S. insanum as well as with some secondary genepool species, like S. anguivi, S. dasyphyllum, or S. lichtensteinii, although some differences among species were observed depending on the direction of the hybridization. For small-fruited wild species, the number of seeds per fruit was lower when using them as maternal parent. Regarding tertiary genepool species, fruit set was obtained only in interspecific hybridizations of eggplant with S. sisymbriifolium and S. torvum, although the fruit of the former were parthenocarpic. However, it was possible to rescue viable interspecific hybrids with S. torvum. In total we obtained 58 interspecific hybrid combinations (excluding reciprocals) between eggplant and wild relatives. Some differences were observed among S. melongena accessions in the degree of success of interspecific hybridization, so that the number of hybrid combinations obtained for each accession ranged between 7 (MEL2) and 16 (MEL1). Hybridity of putative interspecific hybrid plantlets was confirmed with a morphological trait (leaf prickliness) and 12 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. The results show that eggplant is amenable to interspecific hybridization with a large number of wild species, including tertiary genepool materials. These hybrid materials are the starting point for introgression breeding in eggplant and in some cases might also be useful as rootstocks for eggplant grafting.

Caracterização de perfilhos em relação à planta daninha no pasto de capim-braquiária

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the weed Solanum sisymbriifolium (sticky nightshade) on the number and characteristics of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk tillers in pasture continuously stocked by cattle. Two sites of the same pasture were evaluated, one site located close (0.5 m) to the main stalk of the weed and the other located at a distance where no weed was growing within a radius of 2.0 m. The number, weight and morphology of the tillers were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three repetitions. At the site distant from the weed, a higher population density of defoliated tillers without apical meristem was observed. The number of basal and aerial tillers was smaller close to the weed plant. This site was also characterized by smaller numbers of vegetative, reproductive, live, dead and total tillers when compared to the site distant from the weed plant. The weight of vegetative and reproductive tillers was higher at the site close to the weed plant. Tillers close to the weed plant exhibited a greater length of the pseudostem and leaf blade, a larger number of live leaves, and fewer grazed leaves compared to distant tillers. The occurrence of S. sisymbriifolium results in spatial variability of vegetation in U. decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture.

Phytonutrient content of Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. berries

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Litchi tomato) is grown ornamentally, and in Europe it is used as a trap crop for management of the potato cyst nematode (PCN). Its berries are edible, but little is known about their nutritional content. If more was known about their nutritional value this could provide incentive to grow it as a food crop. Phytonutrient content was characterized in berries from four varieties and four synthetic breeding lines developed to have reduced spininess. Litchi tomatoes contained 6.8–10.4mg of total phenolics per g dry weight. Antioxidants measured by FRAP ranged from 148 to 242μmol TE/g DW. HPLC analysis showed chlorogenic acid (1856–4385μg/g DW) was the most abundant phenylpropanoid. Ascorbic acid ranged from 2042 to 4511μg/g DW. The yellow/orange flesh color was due to carotenoids, with β-carotene the most abundant (204–633μg/g DW). Soluble protein in Litchi tomato ranged from 86.9 to 120.9mg/g. Of the cultivated Litchi tomato varieties analyzed, SS91 had the highest amount of antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, chlorogenic acid and β-carotene. These results suggest that Litchi tomato fruits can be a good source of phytonutrients, expanding the plant's functionality beyond its use as a PCN trap crop.

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae): a new invasive undershrub of the old-fields of northeastern Uttar Pradesh

Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae), an undershrub species, was first identified at an upland site in the suburb of Gorakhpur town during a broad survey on the distribution and abundance of grassland and old-field species of northeastern Uttar Pradesh. The species was first noticed in August 2012, and by the start of 2014 it showed a highly significant increase in its number and vegetal cover. Morphologically the species provides a spectacular plant body by virtue of numerous long orange-red spines found along the stem and leaves to the calyx, large white flowers with bright yellow anthers, and its red ripe fruits present for most of the year. The plant body is largely unpalatable and also resistant to grazers. The rapid spread of this species within a short span of about two years indicates the potential for this perennial shrub as a harsh invader of upland sites of the region. A brief account of habitat and population size along with a morphological description and line drawing is provided for easy identification of the species, which is not yet reported from Uttar Pradesh.